Robin Williams’ Presence Will Be Felt In ‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle’

22 years after the original Jumanji film hit theaters, it’s getting a sequel. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan and will be in theaters in time for Christmas. Word is that Robin Williams, who starred in the original as Alan Parrish, will have his presence felt in the new film. While at a photo call at CineEurope in Barcelona this morning, actor Jack Black explained to THR.com that Williams character still had a role to play and that the film features a tribute to the late comedian:

“We’re exploring this jungle and trying to conquer the game; it’s life or death. But while we’re there, we find clues left behind by [Williams’ character Alan Parrish]. He built up a full-blown jungle house, similar to a Swiss Family Robinson situation. It’s like he’s there helping us without actually being there.”

The actor also addressed a big difference between Jumanji and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle:

“[In the original] you never got to see the inside world. But this one takes place primarily inside the jungle of Jumanji. That’s the coolest part of the film — we’re able to transport the audience to that secret and wondrous land, with the danger and the beauty.”

Has quietly been working at Bleeding Cool for over three years. He has written comics for Image, Top Cow, Shadowline, Avatar, IDW, Dynamite, Moonstone, Humanoids and Zenescope. He is the author of the Lucius Fogg series of novels and a published photographer.